Quirinaal te Rome 1665

Giovanni Battista Falda created this print of the Quirinal Palace in Rome in the late 17th century. During this time, Rome was a city undergoing significant transformation, reflecting the power and authority of the Catholic Church. Falda's print is a visual document of that transformation. The Quirinal Palace itself served as a papal residence, and later as a royal palace after the unification of Italy, symbolizing shifting powers. The architecture emphasizes the grandeur and authority associated with these ruling entities. Observe the figures populating the scene. Who are they? What is their relationship to the palace? This print invites us to consider not only the physical structure of the palace but also the social dynamics and power structures it represents. It captures a moment in time, a snapshot of Rome during an era of significant change, prompting reflections on history, power, and the ever-evolving nature of identity.